VANDALISM and noise in the churchyard in the centre of Petersfield was set to be highlighted by town councillors at a meeting last night. (Thursday).

Members of the grounds committee received a report outlining the problems caused by teenagers who gather in the churchyard of St Peter's, the parish church of Petersfield which faces The Square.

The report follows a move earlier this summer when church leaders asked police, a town council representative and members of the congregation to a special meeting in an attempt to tackle the problem.

They are particularly concerned about the smashing of windows around the church, offensive graffiti, youths riding bicycles in the churchyard and litter scattered in it.

In the latest incident of vandalism, a large stone flower trough in the churchyard was smashed into several pieces at the weekend. It was valued at £250.

The church has asked for more notices to be posted, including warnings to the youngsters not to cycle in the churchyard.

Members have also asked Petersfield Town Council if more bins can be provided in an attempt to combat litter louts.

Mary Vincent, chairman of Petersfield Town Council's grounds committee, said the council was involved in the special meeting because it was responsible for the grass cutting and maintenance in the churchyard.

She said those who attended the meeting walked through the church grounds.

"Most of the church windows are now fenced off with mesh because of the problems the church has experienced with vandals smashing them," she told The Herald.

She said there were around a dozen youngsters in their early teens sitting talking in the area and later she saw two riding bicycles.

Mrs Vincent, who was unable to attend the grounds committee meeting last night, said the police were also aware of the situation.

Town councillors were set to debate how vandalism and rowdiness in the churchyard could be curbed.